On July 2, 2025, the sports comedy series Stick released its seventh episode of the debut season, titled “Dreams Never Remembered.” Written by Jason Keller and Bryan Johnson and directed by M.J. Delaney, this 29-minute installment marks a significant turning point for the show as it shifts its narrative into a new gear, exploring deep emotional territory while advancing the plot with renewed urgency.
“Dreams Never Remembered” is notable for its ambitious use of time and storytelling tropes, effectively balancing a dream-like atmosphere with grounded character development. The episode opens with a striking ten-minute dream sequence centered on Pryce, portrayed with heartfelt nuance by Owen Wilson. This sequence delves into Pryce’s grief over the loss of his infant son, Jett, offering a poignant and wrenching glimpse into the what-ifs and might-have-beens that haunt him. As the dream unfolds, shifting through time to show Jett aging, it becomes clear that this is Pryce’s internal prison of sorrow—a place where normal life feels just out of reach.
Wilson’s performance here has drawn widespread praise, with critics highlighting his ability to convey the crushing weight of loss through subtle expressions—the quivering jaw, the moist eyes—making the dream sequence one of the series’ most powerful moments. This emotional depth retroactively justifies Pryce’s earlier avoidance of his son’s memory, a narrative choice that initially frustrated some viewers but now feels essential.
While the dream sequence stands out as a highlight, it also underscores some of Stick’s earlier struggles. The show has faced criticism for pacing and character focus, particularly in episodes five and six, where some felt the narrative stalled with less impactful moments, such as Zero's contentious complaints and divisive behavior. This episode’s success in delivering raw emotion and genuine connection invites reflection on why it took seven episodes for the show to reach such heights.
Beyond Pryce’s story, “Dreams Never Remembered” explores other character dynamics with a new intensity. One of the episode’s strengths lies in its attention to previously underdeveloped relationships, notably between Mitts and Zero. Their interaction at the bus station—though brief—carries significant emotional weight, highlighting Mitts’ distrust and the tentative steps toward friendship. While some found the portrayal of their rapport a bit rushed, with Mitts calling Zero a friend feeling slightly awkward, the gesture of Mitts giving Zero money for food signals a budding connection that may be further explored in upcoming episodes.
Meanwhile, the mother-son relationship between Elena and Santi remains one of the series’ most compelling threads. Mariana Treviño and Peter Dager deliver vulnerable and authentic performances, imbuing their scenes with a lived-in quality that resonates deeply. The episode deftly brings to life the lingering presence of Santi’s father through memories and emotional tension, which feels like an additional character hovering over their conversations. Elena’s struggle to protect her son’s image of his father while grappling with her own grief adds a rich layer of complexity.
These intimate moments contrast with the broader narrative arc, which sees the core group reunited with a shared goal: orchestrating a hustle against Clark Ross, played by Timothy Olyphant. This plot development injects fresh energy into the season’s final act, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation and requiring the entire ensemble—including the previously estranged Zero—to come together.
The episode also skillfully balances its emotional beats with moments of levity and camaraderie. Pryce’s realization that the true value of his experiences with Santi and the group lies not in golf but in the connections forged through pickleball, RV mishaps, and shared games speaks to the show’s heart. It’s a reminder that Stick is as much about found family as it is about sport.
Critics have noted that while the episode’s pacing feels a bit rushed in its latter half—likely due to the extended dream sequence consuming a significant portion of the runtime—the emotionally resonant performances and sharp writing more than compensate. The pairing off of characters, such as Santi and Elena discussing his future and Mitts confronting Zero about her entitled perspective, offers some of the series’ most frank and purposeful dialogue to date.
Zero’s character arc, in particular, benefits from Mitts’ blunt confrontation, which challenges her to move beyond performative activism and face the messy realities of her life. This moment adds nuance to Zero’s portrayal, transforming her from a potentially one-dimensional figure into someone grappling with loneliness and self-worth.
Looking ahead, the episode sets up promising developments. Santi, despite walking out of the U.S. Amateur Championships, retains a zero handicap, making him eligible for a PGA event—provided he secures a sponsor exemption. With Clark Ross hosting the invitational, the stakes are high, and the entire group must unite to face this challenge. Given the three episodes remaining in the season, fans can anticipate further exploration of these relationships and the unfolding hustle.
“Dreams Never Remembered” also signals a tonal shift for Stick, bringing it closer to the warmth and wholesomeness that made shows like Ted Lasso resonate so strongly with audiences. After weeks of uneven storytelling, this episode finally leans into the genuine friendships and emotional honesty at the series’ core.
In summary, episode seven of Stick stands out as a critical moment for the series. It combines artistic risk-taking with heartfelt performances to elevate the narrative, even as it exposes earlier missteps in pacing and character focus. As the season heads into its final chapters, the show appears poised to build on this momentum, delivering a blend of humor, heart, and high-stakes drama that keeps viewers invested.
New episodes of Stick continue to stream on Apple TV+ every Wednesday, inviting audiences to join this evolving tale of grief, friendship, and the pursuit of second chances.
